Pemetic2006

After a twelve hour drive I will be looking very forward to some southern Wisconsin trail running and beer.

bikemig 

I just registered so I'm in. First, let me give a shout out to @RobbieTunes for getting so many BF members to sign up for this and getting a C&V category in the ride. That's very cool. Besides who doesn't like riding a whole heck of a lot of hills and finishing up the ride with beer and bratwurst?

So I guess I'm taking my '93 Bridgestone RB-1. Currently it's set up 3 x 7; there's a lot to be said for a triple when riding those hills. I'll probably make a few tweaks to the bike but I'm keeping the gearing, (46-36-26 up front and 12-24 on the rear):

RobbieTunes

Well, you're not gonna want that bag. crank_addict is the guy to ask about gearing. Of course, he weighs something like 8 lbs.....

RobbieTunes

Oh, my oh my oh my.....that's enough to make me wear tube socks....

RobbieTunes

Yep, I rode the wall the first time, had a bratwurst and a beer at the top. Then walked it the second time, had another of each. By the time I got to 62 miles, I was enlightened as to the relative wisdom, or lack thereof, of a-being overweight. b-having a 53/39 with an 11-26 rear, c-two beers and two bratwurst whilst trying to tax an aerobic system with a short reserve.

I rode, I suffered a bit, I partied a bit.

No biggie, back for more.

Such is life.

You only die once.

Live a little.

iab

I rode the 150 with 47 inches. Didn't walk but I did stop to catch my breath on Rosy Lane. And ending on Hwy Z was no picnic either.

RobbieTunes

I know exactly how much and I'm counting on it.

bikemig 

Nah, I had stopped wearing tube socks by the time I bought my RB-1 in '93. I was wearing tube socks (along with cleated shoes and a skid lid) when I was riding my first racing bike, a custom built british bike from a small builder (a Roe) that I picked up 2d hand in New Orleans in the early 80s when I was working in a bike shop. I had the bike repainted which is why it has no stickers but its a mix of Columbus SP and SL tubing (odd choice for a British builder).:



I was still wearing tube socks when I went touring on my Melton (late 70s bike but I bought it in the 80s) and swapped out my cleated shoes for bata bikers (great for touring):



The Melton would make a heck of a bike to ride on the dairyland dare. Now if I could only find those tube socks and a pair of bata bikers . . . .

But no way would I wear a skid lid again.

smontanaro 

Isn't that what the tri-folk wear these days, only in black?

Salubrious

I got 18 gear inches in low. Maybe I'll make it up a few hills this time...

RobbieTunes

They'll buy anything if you market it for speed/aero/recovery.

I asked one if his calves were cold.
He said no.

Varicose veins?
He walked away.
I guess not.

RobbieTunes

Camping. $20/night, in Mineral Point. At the Fairgrounds.
Rudimentary, but remember, you can shower at Lands' End before/after the ride.
And there's always the pool ....

bikemig 

Cool, county camp grounds? The state campgrounds at governor dodge state park charge extra for out of state license plates plus you'll be charged the state trail pass fee. Maybe I can talk @gerv into heading up to Wisconsin for this.

Here's some info on this, https://mineralpoint.com/lodging/camp...-mineral-point

RobbieTunes

And you're only two long blocks from the Quik Trip. They stop selling beer at 9 pm.
You'll also be at the home park of Speedy Rodney, a legendary trotter.

gerv 

Would my 30+ pound Panasonic tourer work for this ride? I hear there are a lot of hills...

RobbieTunes

Yes, there is climbing. It's a gearing and fitness issue, and simply taking your time.
It's hard to take your time when very fit blond ponytails keep going by, but I recommend it.
A touring rig should work fine. To quote Doc Cannondale, "you find your groove and stay in it."
The ride is very well supported, so I'd take off the excess weight for the ride.

gerv 

Thanks RobbieTunes... now that you mention it... I might be seeing a lot of fit blue-haired ladies passing me on the hills.
Equanimity. Enjoy the scenery. Go at your own pace. Maybe I'll read "Just Ride" again before the event.

iab

Actually, the blue hairs amuse themselves by setting up lawn chairs on top of the hills and watch you suffer. See the gentleman on the right side of the frame.

DD_2012 037 by iabisdb, on Flickr

crank_addict

Ha. The Bata's make a lot of sense if one ends up hiking a few. Wearing old cleats and walking some of these hills could make for some outstanding entertainment.

Speaking of vintage shoes and cleats. Lost another one last night! I even used blue thread locker. Arghhh! I'm now going to permanently glue and caulk them on.

RobbieTunes

bonker-spotting is a sport.

gerv 

This guy looks like me. I even have a chair like that. I bet he's yelling "Forza, Forza!"

Chrome Molly

My first official "training ride" for the DD this morning. 100K and 3500 ft climb.

Will add a little to it every weekend, and toss in some shorter hill climb rides during the week.

bibliobob

You're a machine, Pete!

RobbieTunes

Time for the weekly bump(s).

RobbieTunes

Like those Wall Drug signs in South Dakota